Benue Assembly suspends five lawmakers over altered Otukpo LG report

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended five of its members for allegedly manipulating a report concerning the activities of Hon. Maxwell Ogiri, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area.

The suspended legislators Hon. Terna Shimawua, Hon. Mathew Damkor, Hon. Cephas Dyako, Hon. Moses Egbodo, and Hon. Isaac Echekliye will be barred from attending three consecutive legislative sessions.

Idoma Voice  gathered that all five serve on the House Standing Committee on Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The Assembly stated that these members altered the committee’s original investigative report on accusations of fund mismanagement and abuse of office against the Otukpo LG chairman.

Initially tasked with probing complaints against Hon. Ogiri, the committee, under Hon. Shimawua’s leadership, reportedly deviated from the actual findings when presenting the report to the House, provoking strong disapproval among the lawmakers.

Consequently, the Assembly dismissed the report and formed a new five-member ad-hoc panel, led by Hon. Ipusu, to conduct a fresh inquiry and uncover the facts.

The House further accused the committee of protecting Hon. Ogiri from scrutiny, including hiding information about the alleged unlawful shutdown of the Otukpo Legislative Chamber.

Announced during Tuesday’s plenary session, the suspension underscores the Assembly’s commitment to upholding integrity and transparency in its oversight functions.

Terver Zamber, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, confirmed the suspension in an official statement following the sitting.